July 1, 2008

China Develops Nuclear Power Plant Training Simulator

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China has developed its own technology for nuclear power plant simulators, the China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC) said here on Monday.

Experts believe that 70 percent of nuclear incidents result from human error. The full-scope simulator will improve operators' training.

"China's nuclear power plants were co-built with foreign countries. The previous simulators were built by foreign companies," a source with CNNC said.

"The simulator must be upgraded when power plants are expanded," said the official who preferred to remain anonymous. "However, it would take too long and cost too much to ask foreign experts to come and do that."

The third phase of the Qinshan nuclear power plant added 8 megawatts to each of its two reactors. The simulator, therefore, needed improvement.

"Our research institution developed the core technology as we tried to upgrade the Qinshan simulator," CNNC's deputy general manager Yu Jianfeng said. "After two years' efforts, we are able to build our own simulators."

CNNC also signed framework agreements with the Fangjiashan and Fuqing nuclear power plants to use the simulators when they go into operation in 2014, according to media reports.